Working in Germany

Your guide to working in Germany
What are the best-paid jobs in Germany? Which employers pay the most? Do foreigners have a chance of getting a job in Germany? And how do I apply? You will find the answers to all these questions – and much more – here.
The new Skilled Immigration Act, which eases the entry of non-EU foreigners with professional training into the German labour market, has been in force since March 2020. We show you what career opportunities international skilled people have in Germany and how you can find the right job.
More skilled workers for Germany
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Employment
What's the situation on the German labour market?
The German labour market needs well-trained women and men. Foreign skilled staff have good chances in jobs where there are many vacancies. According to a study commissioned by the Bertelsmann Foundation in February 2019, Germany is dependent on immigration from countries outside Europe: by 2060, Germany will have an annual immigration requirement of at least 260,000 people. An annual average of 114,000 immigrants are expected to come from other EU states. This means that around 146,000 women and men would have to immigrate from countries outside the EU.
Work
Ten facts about the job market in Germany
Most called-for jobs
Which jobs are needed in Germany?
- Software developers, architects, programmers
- Electronics engineers, electricians, electrical fitters
- Nurses
- IT consultants, IT analysts
- Economists, business management experts
- Customer advisors, account managers
- Production assistants
- Sales representatives/assistants
- Sales managers, product managers
- Architects, civil engineers
Source: Dekra Arbeitsmarkt Report 2018
Here you can find more information about jobs that are in demand
Foreign skilled personnel
Do foreigners have a chance of getting a job in Germany?
Skilled job-seekers from abroad have very good opportunities in certain professions. For example, there are many jobs for engineers, doctors, nurses, as well as in the manual trades. Here you can find useful tips and experience reports for international applicants.
Germany’s most popular jobs
A skilled worker in Germany
Opportunities for skilled international personnel
Payment
What are the best-paid jobs in Germany?
Scientists, doctors and engineers are among the best-paid vocational groups. However, in Germany, how much you earn depends not only on your profession. There are also regional differences in salaries. We show you how much people earn in Germany.


Employers and job hunting
Who are the best employers in Germany?
Two new rankings show which companies are popular and which employers have a particularly good reputation in Germany. One German company is particularly convincing. Here you will find the top ten best German employers.
Germany's best employer 2019
How to find a job in Germany
If you're looking for work in Germany, you can contact the job centre or use the job portals and important business networks. Alongside the established job forums, innovative apps offer a surprising way of accessing the labour market.
This is how you find a job in Germany
Help with job hunting in Germany
The steps to getting a job in Germany
Application
How to apply for a job in Germany
We have plenty of tips on applying for jobs, for example which documents and certificates you should prepare and how to compile a CV for German companies. And we also know which mistakes you should definitely avoid in your application.
If you're invited to go for an interview, you should know what impresses German HR managers. We have put together a list of what to expect in the interview – with the best tips from preparation to the dress code.


It can also do no harm for you to know the five most important rules of business etiquette in Germany. And we let you in on the ultimate workplace terms and rituals.
German for the workplace
Vocational training
Where can I find information about vocational training in Germany?
If you are not yet a skilled professional but would like to undergo vocational training or further education in Germany, there are also plenty of opportunities for you. Here you can find information about the dual training scheme and tips for finding a training placement:
Career start in Germany
Starting a career: training in the EU
Tax, visa, qualifications
How high is income tax in Germany?
You may have heard that the German tax system is a science in itself. Here we explain the most important aspects of income tax in Germany.
How the German tax system works
Where can I find information on visas and work permits in Germany?
The multilingual portal make-it-in-germany.com bundles information especially for foreign professionals about work permits and visas, job hunting, qualifications, German language skills, language courses, the working environment and formalities in everyday life.
Is my university degree or professional qualification valid in Germany?
The portal anerkennung-in-deutschland.de provides information on the recognition of professional qualifications.
Jobs in demand in Germany
Make it in Germany – the portal for skilled professionals
Five steps to finding a job in Germany
“300 years until we achieve genuine equality”
Ten facts about skilled crafts
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Working in Germany – 8 tips for jobseekers
Working in Germany
Skilled personnel welcome
“A wonderful gift”
How to find an internship in Germany
Common mistakes in job applications
German for the workplace
Sought-after professions in Germany
Adapting work to life
Careers made in Africa
“Important signal for craft businesses”
Germany’s most popular jobs
Dual vocational training system
Refugees are building a future for themselves
A training concept moves across the globe
Arriving on the labour market
The fabric prospects are made of
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